Haile Selassie

Haile Selassie (23 July 1892-27 August 1975), born Ras Tafari Makonnen, was Regent of Ethiopia from 27 September 1916 to 2 April 1930 and Emperor of Ethiopia from 2 April 1930 to 12 September 1974, succeeding Zewditu and preceding Amha Selassie.

Biography
Born in Harar as a great-nephew of Emperor Menelik II, he was baptized "Ras Tafari Makonnen" as a Coptic Christian. When his aunt, Waizeru Zewditu, became Empress in 1916, he became her regent and effective ruler of the country. He managed to control the opposition, and continued Menelik's reforms, such as the encouragement of missionary schools. Keen to establish his country as a modern state, he led Ethiopia into the League of Nations in 1923. He was crowned King in 1928 and, upon his aunt's death, Emperor in 1930. He continued attempts at political reform, and created a military academy. He was forced into exile in London during the Italian occupation of the country from 1936 to 1941.

Return and deposition
After his restoration he received massive aid from the United Nations, Britain, and the United States, which enabled him to create schools, colleges, medical services, and an army. He also became a well-known and influential international figure, for example within the UN and the Organization for African Unity. However, warfare with Eritrean independence organizations and with internal ethnic opposition forces preserved his country's poverty. After a drought in 1973, the efforts of which were compounded with inefficient administration of relief, he was deposed on 13 September 1974. He died (presumably murdered) under house arrest.